New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski released a statement Tuesday night thanking his friends, family and fans for support after being injured Sunday night.

"I'm thankful that it's nothing serious," he said. "I'll be working hard to get back out onto the field as soon as possible. And when I'm 100 percent feeling good, cleared by all the doctors and the team, that's when I'll be back."

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Gronkowski was injured late in Sunday's loss against the Denver Broncos, putting a scare into a team that had already lost many of Tom Brady's offensive weapons.

In a statement, the Patriots said Gronkowski suffered "a bone bruise/sprain of his right knee."

The team would not say when Gronk was expected to return to the field.

"His status will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis and listed accordingly on the practice participation and injury reports. There is no timetable for his readiness to return, which will be determined in the days or hours prior to the appropriate game," the team said. "Any timetable reported prior to that final determination would be speculative."

Gronk also released a video Tuesday night thanking his friends, family and fans for their support.

Gronkowski joins a list of injured that already included running back Dion Lewis, receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, and a slew of offensive linemen. So instead of thinking about 16-0, the Patriots can worry about playoff position.

The Patriots lead the AFC East by four games with five to play, and they could clinch their 12th division title in 13 seasons as early as Sunday. They have a one-game lead over Cincinnati and Denver for home-field advantage through the playoffs, but the Broncos now hold the tiebreaker.

Gronkowski has been one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history - when he's on the field. He was knocked out with season-ending injuries in back-to-back seasons in 2012-13, and Sunday night's hit appeared as if it could do so again.

Gronkowski remained on the turf, writhing in pain, after taking a hit on the right knee from Denver defensive back Darian Stewart with 2:49 left in regulation. The big tight end needed help to get to a cart, which carried him off the field.

But after the game he was seen walking with only a slight limp. Asked Monday if the news was encouraging, Belichick declined to give details.

"We always hope for the best for all of our players," he said. "That will never change."